Rishi Sunak resigns as leader of the British Conservatives
The outgoing Tory leader and British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announces his resignation. Once the formalities for succession are sorted out, he will go, Sunak told journalists at his former office in Downing Street. He must leave Number 10 Downing Street today.
After the Conservative Party's dismal performance in the UK parliamentary election, the incumbent Prime Minister Rishi Sunak intends to relinquish the party leadership. He made this statement to the press at 10 Downing Street in London. The Conservatives suffered their worst result in their 190-year history, losing two-thirds of their previous mandates.
In contrast, the Labour Party more than doubled their number of MPs. Keir Starmer is set to be the new Prime Minister, and today the King, Charles III, must commission him for government formation.
Sunak stated that he would step down as party leader once the formalities for succession were settled. He also apologized to the voters and took responsibility for the defeat. "I have heard your anger and disappointment, and I accept responsibility for this loss," he said. He wished his successor, Keir Starmer, success. Sunak vacated the Downing Street today and Starmer moved in.
The Conservatives have ruled in the UK for the past 14 years. Sunak took over the party leadership and the role of Prime Minister in October 2022, succeeding Prime Minister Liz Truss, whose policies caused turbulence on the financial markets and who resigned after 49 days in office. Boris Johnson had to resign earlier due to various scandals.
Sunak, who previously worked in finance and is married to entrepreneur Akshata Murty, has a substantial fortune. This wealth has further solidified his image as an elite figure. Sunak won his constituency convincingly. Sunak expressed his excitement about spending more time in his constituency in the coming weeks. The Conservative Party will now serve as the opposition in the House and faces an internal struggle. It is expected that another right-wing shift is imminent.
Potential successors have been thinned out
The party is depleted following the heavy losses. Several potential successors have lost their seats and are no longer viable candidates for party leadership, such as Defence Minister Grant Shapps and the former Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Penny Mordaunt. However, Trade Minister Kemi Badenoch, who previously had good chances, defended her seat. She is on the right wing of the party, as is the former Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, who is also seen as a promising candidate for party leadership.
As potential moderate candidates, James Cleverly, the current Home Secretary, and Tom Tugendhat, the former Minister of State, are mentioned. In an interview with Sky News, Cleverly was evasive about his intentions to run.
The Tories are under pressure from the right by the right-wing party Reform UK. Its leader Nigel Farage alienated voters on the right with his surprise candidacy. He played a significant role in pushing for Brexit in the past and is politically linked to the former US President Donald Trump. He also entered parliament and will lead a small group of MPs. His declared goal is to take over or render the Conservative Party obsolete. On election night, Farage also declared war on Labour.
In light of the Conservative Party's poor performance in the British House of Commons election, a notable shift in politics is on the horizon. Rishi Sunak, the outgoing Prime Minister, has announced his intention to step down as party leader, following the party's historically poor showing.
